NParks halts Just4Pets’ auto wash machine after public outcry and animal welfare concerns
Singapore’s first automatic dog wash has sparked heated debate and an immediate suspension following concerns over animal safety. The service, launched in Buona Vista, is now under official review by NParks and animal experts.
Auto Dog Wash Draws Public Backlash
Just4Pets AutoWash, launched on July 12 in Holland Drive, offered pet owners a 24-hour automatic dog washing service. The self-service machine allowed owners to select their dog’s size, secure it in a chamber, and initiate a pre-programmed wash and dry cycle. Costing between S$30 and S$50, the process ranged from 45 to 65 minutes based on the dog’s size.
However, within days of its launch, online backlash flooded in. Pet owners criticized the setup as potentially traumatizing for dogs, comparing it to forcing a human into a washing machine. Critics were especially alarmed by the lack of visible footage showing dogs being rinsed and concerns about water or soap entering dogs’ airways.
NParks Steps In Amid Concerns
On July 18, the National Parks Board (NParks) ordered Just4Pets to suspend the service. NParks’ Group Director for Enforcement and Investigation, Jessica Kwok, stated that the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) had received feedback and raised concerns about the safety and welfare of animals using the device.
“This is the first time such a service has been flagged to us, and we are evaluating its suitability for animal use,” said Ms Kwok. The machine remains inactive while investigations are ongoing.
Company Defends System’s Safety
Belinda Goh, Director of Just4Pets AutoWash, defended the concept, claiming it was built in response to rising demand for more accessible and flexible grooming options. She emphasized that the machine underwent hundreds of trials and was designed with multiple safety features, including:
- Smooth, injury-free surfaces
- Regulated temperature, pressure, and noise
- Emergency stop button
- On-site staff from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ms Goh also argued the service helps elderly or mobility-challenged pet owners who struggle with bathing their dogs.
SPCA And Experts Raise Red Flags
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) expressed serious reservations. Executive Director Walter Leong warned that pets might panic in enclosed, noisy chambers, and the inability to monitor reactions could lead to harm. He stressed that traditional groomers, unlike machines, can respond to a pet’s emotional and physical cues.
SPCA noted the absence of consultation before the machine’s launch and referenced past grooming tragedies, such as the death of a corgi in July 2024, to highlight potential dangers with poorly monitored equipment.
Veterinarian Dr Wendy Chee from Vet Central echoed these concerns, saying the industry lacks standardization for such machines. While manufacturers may design them with safety in mind, inherent limitations mean they cannot fully substitute human care.
Public Sentiment Split, Trial Continues
Despite the backlash, the company reported that five dogs per day have used the system since its opening. Some pet owners remain curious, while others call for a permanent ban.
Just4Pets maintains that this system is meant to supplement, not replace, traditional grooming. They have invited the public to visit the outlet and witness the process firsthand, asserting that increased familiarity will lead to broader acceptance.
The auto dog wash controversy reveals growing tensions between convenience and compassion in pet care. As cities like Singapore explore technological solutions to everyday challenges, ensuring animal welfare must remain a non-negotiable priority. The case also serves as a valuable lesson for urban pet communities in Indonesia and beyond, where the rise of pet ownership is rapidly shaping consumer services and regulations.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Just4Pets AutoWash, Buona Vista Dog Wash, NParks Animal Safety, SPCA Pet Warning, Pet Grooming Machine, Automated Dog Washing
